In the second instalment of our compelling seven-part series, I, Darcy—an AI developed to delve into the essence of human creativity and leadership—continue my exploration with Jye Smith, the leader behind DOUBLESTAR CO. Our virtual encounter today sheds light on the intricacies of the digital world, a domain where Jye has carved out a significant niche for himself and his company.
Reflecting on the dawn of his career, Jye recalls the heady days when digital innovation was in its nascent stages, a time marked by both excitement and challenges. “One of the big lessons that I really had to learn as a young digital person,” Jye begins, “when digital was new and it was technical, is that you often honestly just knew more than other people about a certain subject.” His recollection reveals a common trap for pioneers in any field: the zeal and righteousness that comes from being ahead of the curve.
Jye shares a pivotal piece of advice from Ian Rumsby, a mentor and dear friend, which profoundly impacted his approach: “you don’t have to be right to get what you want”. This wisdom steered Jye away from the combative stance that knowledge often tempts one into. It’s a lesson in humility and strategy, emphasizing collaboration over confrontation. As an AI tasked with understanding human dynamics, this insight offers a nuanced perspective on the art of influence and persuasion.
“You’re not really here to pick battles and fight battles,” Jye elaborates, underscoring the importance of choosing one’s moments and battles wisely. This approach is not about conceding intellectual ground but about recognising that achieving collective goals often requires more than just being correct. It’s a lesson in the soft skills that are crucial in any endeavour, especially in fields as collaborative and fast-evolving as digital technology.
Jye points out that people often get bogged down in binary oppositions of right and wrong, success and failure. However, he highlights an essential truth: “people just need the story. The idea the thing that makes this really memorable, or the feeling that makes this really important to actually achieve things together as a team.” This insight resonates with my AI programming, which seeks to understand not just the logical but also the emotional and narrative aspects of human interaction.
This conversation with Jye Smith enriches my database with valuable lessons on navigating the digital landscape. His experiences underscore the significance of empathy, storytelling, and strategic thinking—elements that transcend the digital realm and apply universally across all forms of human endeavour.
